MI
Duncan et al. v. State of Michigan (Amicus Brief)
The Brennan Center, along with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, and the Constitution Project, filed an amicus brief in a case before the Michigan Supreme Court case that seeks to address the constitutional insufficiency of the state's indigent defense system.
A Big Week for Improving Public Defense in the States
Three victories in court this week, and each represent important steps forward in ongoing national efforts to strengthen the role of the courts, secure the right to counsel, and hold government accountable to the rule of law. Read more…
Michigan Victory on Right to Counsel Shifts Spotlight Back to New York
A lawsuit challenging Michigan’s inadequate defense services for the poor received an important victory on Friday, when the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the suit could go forward. New York could take a cue from Michigan; a similar lawsuit is pending in the NY courts.
Indefensible: Michigan’s Faltering Public Defender System
The Brennan Center filed an amicus brief urging Michigan’s highest court to hear the case of Duncan v. Michigan, regarding underrepresented criminal defendants.
Illustrations by Risko
Buying Time—Michigan and Alabama Join Costly Wisconsin
Judicial campaign spending increases in these states.
Buying Time: AL and MI Lead Nation’s Supreme Court Advertising
Television advertisements in two states—Alabama and Michigan—accounted for three quarters of all spending on television advertising last week in state Supreme Court elections nationwide, according to an analysis by the Brennan Center.
Testimony of Myrna Perez and Justin Levitt before the Michigan House Judiciary Committee
Myrna Perez and Justin Levitt testify on HB 5914, legislation that gives the primary state legislative redistricting authority known as the Legislative Service Bureau, the nonpartisan agency currently tasked with researching and drafting statutes.
Melanca Clark Before House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security
Testimony submitted as part of a coalition of advocates coordinated under the umbrella of the Michigan Campaign for Justice. The hearing was titled: “Representation of Indigent Defendants in Criminal Cases: A Constitutional Crisis in Michigan and Other States?”
Letter to Secretaries of State re: Premier Voting Systems
Joint letter to 31 Secretaries of State where Premier voting systems are in use regarding product defect and recommending rigorous ballot accounting procedures.
Analysis of Michigan’s HB 5914
An analysis of a proposed statute in Michigan that would give the primary state legislative redistricting authority to the Legislative Service Bureau. This legislation does not affect congressional districts.
Proof of Citizenship Requirements; Chart of State Legislation
In the current session (2009–2010), legislators across the country have begun to propose proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration. The chart here, last updated on 12/2/2009, sets forth the known bills and their current status.
View ads and storyboards from state judicial election.